Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation is making roadway and bridge improvements as part of four construction projects on Highway 43 between the Chief Joseph Pass and Wise River. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2022.

Remaining work to be completed in 2022 includes:

• Bridge end preservation milling and paving between Chief Joseph Pass and Wisdom.
• Chip sealing the roadway between Big Hole Bitterroot Road and Wisdom.
• Chip sealing the roadway between the Sportsman’s Fishing Access Site and Wise River.
• Adding final striping (paint) and pavement markings.

About The Projects

Highway 43 - Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River Construction Projects Map
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Trail Creek Bridges Improvements

The Trail Creek Bridges Project is replacing two bridges over Trail Creek near the May Creek Campground and a pipe culvert at Canyon Creek. Construction was completed on this project in 2021.

The Trail Creek bridges were built in 1961and have neared the end of their lifetime and need to be replaced. Although they are still safe for travel, rehabilitation and maintenance is no longer practical due to deterioration. The culvert at Canyon Creek is too small, causing heavy spring runoff to overflow onto the highway. Improvements include:

Bridges

• Removing and replacing the existing bridges with a slightly wider design.
• Removing the piers from the stream to allow more water to flow through and restore Trail Creek to a more natural flow.
• Upgrading the bridge railings.
• Resurfacing the roadway with new pavement on each end of the bridges.
• Upgrading the approach railings on each end of the bridges.

Trail Creek Bridge
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Wisdom West Improvements

The Wisdom West Project is improving Highway 43 between the Bitterroot Big Hole Road and Wisdom. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2022. Improvements include:

• Resurfacing 19 miles of pavement and upgrading guardrails.
• Repairing the bridge deck and upgrading the bridge railing over the Big Hole River Bridge west of Wisdom.
• Repairing deteriorated pavement on both ends of the Ruby Creek Bridge near the Big Hole National Battlefield.
• Upgrading pullout surfaces and improving drainage.
• Chip sealing the pavement surface.
• Adding new pavement markings (painting/striping) and signs.

Wisdom North Improvements

The Wisdom North Project is improving Highway 43 between Wisdom and the Big Hole River Bridge (County Line Bridge). Construction on this project was completed in 2021. Improvements include:

• Resurfacing 16 miles of asphalt pavement.
• Chip sealing the pavement surface.
• Adding centerline rumble strips, new pavement markings (painting/striping) and signs.

Wise River Northwest Improvements

The Wise River Northwest Project is preserving and extending the life of Highway 43 between the Sportsman Campground and Wise River. Construction on this project is anticipated to be completed in 2022. Improvements include:

• Chip sealing approximately 14 miles of pavement.
• Upgrading guardrails.
• Adding new pavement markings (painting/striping).

UPNs:
8759001 - Wisdom West
8759002 - Trail Creek Bridges
9737000 - Wisdom North
9486000 - Wise River Northwest